Beta Programs within Blackboard’s Project NG

One of the most invigorating times in the software development life cycle comes just prior to the launch of a new version. Everyone is excited about new product capabilities and enhancements to the product’s look and feel. For the first time users get to see in tangible form what exactly is coming next. The product development team is rewarded with the experience of seeing their handiwork come to life. This "beta period" is also a good time to address any last remaining issues before the product reaches the general public.

At Blackboard, we’re currently running beta programs with both users and developers in advance of the upcoming Release 9.0 to find and address these issues. This is the first beta program where CE, Vista, and Bb Classic clients are all working together.

We have nearly 50 institutions working on testing new functionality, as well as regression testing existing features. These participants are meeting weekly to discuss their findings and at the same time building relationships with one another and those of us at Blackboard who are involved in the program. This is an exciting time, and I look forward to continuing to work with our beta program clients.

We may make statements regarding our product development and service offering initiatives, including the content of future product upgrades, updates or functionality in development. While such statements represent our current intentions, they may be modified, delayed or abandoned without prior notice and there is no assurance that such offering, upgrades, updates or functionality will become available unless and until they have been made generally available to our customers.